Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended the government’s handling of the floods caused by storm DANA, responding to criticism from the Popular Party (PP). He also expressed openness to establishing a parliamentary commission of inquiry to examine the events.
Speaking in Congress, Sánchez announced a third aid package on October 29 for the regions affected by the storm, particularly the Valencian Community, where the disaster claimed over 220 lives. This new package follows two others approved on November 5 and 11, bringing the total state aid for hurricane relief to more than €16.6 billion.
The latest package, valued at €2.274 billion, includes tax moratoriums, exemptions, and social security measures aimed at accelerating recovery efforts. “The government will implement 60 measures to speed up the return to normality and aid recovery in the affected areas,” Sánchez stated, emphasizing that his administration had met its responsibilities. He cited warnings issued by the state meteorological agency Aemet and the Júcar River Basin Authority as evidence of proactive efforts.
Defending Management Amid Criticism
Sánchez rejected accusations that the system had failed, stating, “It is the same system that allowed us to respond effectively to previous catastrophes.” However, he pointed to failures by the regional government of Valencia, led by Carlos Mazón of the PP, for not adequately addressing the crisis.
While Sánchez supported the idea of a commission of inquiry and pledged to publish a detailed report, opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo criticized his government for delays in responding to the storm and for not declaring a national state of emergency. Feijóo accused Sánchez of “inaction” and a “lack of humility” in managing the crisis.
Opposition Criticism
Santiago Abascal, leader of Vox, also condemned the government’s response, claiming affected residents were left abandoned: “They were alone, flooded, without electricity or water, waiting for help that never arrived.” Meanwhile, Verónica Martínez Barbero, spokesperson for the Plurinational Group of Sumar, accused Vox and the PP of spreading false information about the government’s efforts on social media.